Jerusalem: Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz has issued a stark warning, threatening to eliminate Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. “Such a person is forbidden to exist,” Katz declared in a statement reported by the Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper. This bold rhetoric has heightened tensions between the two nations, with Katz likening Khamenei to a “modern Hitler.”

According to TRTworld.com, Iran’s state news agency IRNA has reported that Iranian missiles were aimed at the headquarters of the Israeli army and intelligence service near Soroka Hospital. The blast wave from the attack reportedly caused injuries at the facility. In a related development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also hinted at the possibility of targeting the Iranian supreme leader, stating, “All options are available.” He refrained from elaborating further, emphasizing the need for discretion in the media during his visit to Soroka Hospital.

The escalating conflict began on Friday, triggered by Israeli airstrikes on multiple sites in Iran, including military and nuclear facilities. These actions provoked retaliatory strikes from Tehran. As a result, Israeli authorities have reported at least 24 fatalities and hundreds of injuries due to Iranian missile attacks. Conversely, Iranian media reports indicate that 585 people have been killed and over 1,300 wounded in the Israeli assaults.

Netanyahu also commented on the potential involvement of the United States, stating that President Donald Trump would make the decision regarding US participation in the conflict against Iran. The situation remains volatile as both sides exchange aggressive postures and military actions.